This low-risk 401(k) investment is guaranteed to not lose your money. Here’s when it may make sense to use

PeopleImages | iStock | Getty Images For investors nearing retirement or already retired who need the certainty of cash but want to squeeze out a bit more yield, a certain investment in your 401(k) plan may fit the bill. It’s called a stable value fund (or something similar) and typically is available only through defined…

Why 2022 has been a dangerous time to retire — and what you can do about it

mdphoto16 | E+ | Getty Images It’s a scary time for new retirees. Stocks have plunged this year. Bonds, which traditionally serve as a ballast when stocks falter, have also been pummeled. Both trends are worrisome for seniors who rely on investments for their retirement income. High inflation also means retirees need to draw more…

The number of billionaires soared during the pandemic. How tax proposals aim to reduce wealth inequality

A mobile billboard calling for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy depicts an image of billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos, near the U.S. Capitol on May 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer | Getty Images A new billionaire was created on average about every 30 hours during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new report by…

Only 18% of Americans plan to increase their stock market investments this year, survey finds

In this article .VIX Thianchai Sitthikongsak | Moment | Getty Images The stock market’s roller-coaster ride isn’t inspiring confidence in investors. Still, a small portion do plan to take advantage of recent price dips. About 18% of Americans are willing to put more money into stock market investments this year, including retirement accounts, according to…

Student loan forgiveness could be around the corner. What to do while you wait

Kool99 | Istock | Getty Images Earlier this month, President Joe Biden said that he was in the process of considering whether to forgive student debt, and that he’d have an answer in the next couple of weeks. Those weeks have passed and millions of borrowers are on edge — though they might not be…

These 10 companies help pay for their employees’ vacations

Michelle and Jeremy Warren’s recent trip to the Galapagos Islands was paid for, in part, by her company, FullContact. Michelle Warren When Michelle Warren traveled to the Galapagos Islands for 10 days this spring, her bosses helped foot the bill. It’s one of the many benefits offered by her employer, Denver-based tech company FullContact. Warren’s…

Emergency savings take a hit as households adjust their finances amid high inflation, study shows

A woman pushes a shopping cart through the grocery aisle at Target in Annapolis, Maryland, on May 16, 2022, as Americans brace for summer sticker shock as inflation continues to grow. Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images It appears emergency savings are another casualty of high inflation. About one-third of adults are contributing less…

As college enrollment tanks, there’s a growing push to celebrate students going into skilled trades

Michael Martinez wanted to be an airline pilot. But as he got older, Martinez, now 18, decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional welder instead. In fact, the senior at Brazoswood High School in Clute, Texas, has already landed a job that will start immediately after graduation. “My dad always wanted…

A ‘bear market’ looms. What exactly does that mean?

Phonlamaiphoto | Istock | Getty Images The S&P 500 Index fell into a so-called bear market on Friday. But just what does that mean? “Bear market” is a term used by investors to describe a steep and sustained market downturn. Technically, it’s a drop of 20% or more from recent highs. Investors commonly apply the…

Here’s what to consider before starting a side hustle

Westend61 | Getty Images Side hustles have become an increasingly popular way to boost income. But are they necessary to reach financial freedom? “The answer is no,” said Gorick Ng, author of “The Unspoken Rules,” adding that there are plenty of people who don’t have side hustles and have achieved success. Still, Ng is in…

Recession is ‘likely,’ former SEC chief economist says. Here’s his advice for how to prepare

By nearly every measure, the U.S. economy made a stunning recovery after the coronavirus pandemic spurred mass shutdowns and layoffs nationwide. The labor market has added back millions of jobs and wages have gone up substantially, even among lower-paying positions. But soaring inflation and rapidly rising interest rates have most Americans worried that the good…

Why it’s a good time for young investors to put money in the market

FG Trade | E+ | Getty Images The recent volatile price action in the stock market has been scary for some investors, especially younger ones just dipping their toes into putting money away for the long-term. Still, financial experts say that now is a good time for people to start investing or to continue to…